By Ebi Kesiena
A cholera outbreak has struck Mazowe Flowers Farm in Mashonaland Central Province, near Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, claiming one life and infecting 60 people, state media reported on Friday.
The outbreak began on 21 December at the Mazowe Flowers farm compound, which relies on a single borehole with only one tap and no reservoir tank. The lack of proper sanitation facilities has exacerbated the situation.
Nearby Glendale Highway suburb has also been affected, with overflowing sewage contaminating shallow wells, creating additional health risks.
In response, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has established oral rehydration centres in the affected areas and launched door-to-door health and hygiene awareness campaigns. Authorities are also monitoring public gatherings and food vendors to curb the outbreak.
Provincial health promotion officer Takura Mzorodzi urged local councils and relevant authorities to prioritise safe water provision, regular refuse collection, and sewer system maintenance. He stressed the importance of preventing sewage contamination of water sources to stop the cholera spread.
